How to make sure your home remains secure during load-shedding

With load-shedding being experienced by large parts of the country in recent days, a private security company has warned South Africans to make sure their alarm systems are tested and working properly

“Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system coupled with a battery that is in good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage – regardless if the outage is because of load-shedding or not,” says Verena Hulme, district manager (Cape Town North) for Fidelity ADT.

The only time it may not function correctly is if there is a technical issue, or the battery power is low. “Most modern alarm systems have a backup battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure,” says Hulme.

There are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during power cuts. Some of these include ensuring that the alarm system has an adequate battery supply, that all automated gates and doors are secured and lastly to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your security provider or the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The most important tips to remember about being prepared for a power cut are:

It is important that your alarm system has an adequate battery supply. Batteries should be checked regularly

Alarms should be checked during extended power outages to keep systems running

Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems; so these also need to be checked regularly

The more frequent use of gas and candles can increase the risk of fire and home fire extinguishers should be on hand

Above all remain vigilant during a power cut; be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and report this to Fidelity ADT or the SAPS immediately

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